Hungary Life in the country

Searching for an apartment or room in Hungary has its own peculiarities. In large cities, competition for good options is quite high, so it is worth acting quickly and preparing in advance. The most sought-after housing is in Budapest, Debrecen, and cities with large universities, where students and foreign professionals are the most active tenants.

Where to look

The most convenient way to start your search is online—most Hungarians and foreigners use specialized platforms:

• Ingatlan.com – the largest real estate listing site;
• Alberlet.hu – a platform specializing in rentals;
• Otthon Centrum – a nationwide agency database;
• Facebook groups and Telegram chats for Ukrainians – a good option for a room or sublet;

For short-term rentals (first month), Airbnb or Booking are often chosen to allow time to search locally.

Budapest districts: where is cheaper and where is more comfortable

Budapest is divided into Buda (west bank of the Danube) and Pest (east bank).

• Buda (districts 1, 2, 11, 12) — quiet, green areas, more expensive, popular with families.
• Pest (districts 5–9) — active life, students, offices. District 5 is the most expensive, districts 7–8 are cheaper but noisier.
• Suburbs and distant districts (16–18) – budget options, but a longer journey by public transport.

Documents for renting

Hungarian landlords usually ask for a minimum of documents, but prepare the basic package in advance:

- passport or ID card;

- proof of financial solvency (employment contract, bank statement, student document);

- Hungarian phone number for communication;

- sometimes – a short resume about yourself (for rooms or shared accommodation).

Important conditions and nuances

1. Address registration (lakcímkártya). If you plan to apply for a residence permit, check whether the owner will allow you to register your address.

2. Deposit (kaució). This is usually 1-2 months' rent plus the first month in advance.

3. Payment format. Most often — in forints to a Hungarian account. Payment in foreign currency or cash is possible, but rare.

4. Utilities. Clarify what is included in the price (whether közös költség is included, whether you have to pay separately for water, gas, electricity).

5. Photos and condition of the apartment. Check in person: the condition of the apartment may differ from the advertisement.

Tip: when moving in, take photos of the apartment and furniture — this will help avoid disputes when you move out and return the deposit.

Agencies or private owners

You can rent directly or through an agency.

• Most often, the commission is paid by the owner, but sometimes it is split in half or paid by the tenant (especially for short-term contracts).
• Agency services usually cost one month's rent.
• If you have just arrived, it is safer to start with an agency — they check documents and reduce the risk of fraud.

When to look

In summer and early fall (August–September), it is more difficult to find accommodation: students rent most apartments in advance. During this period, it is better to book at least temporary accommodation for a few weeks and look for something else once you are there.

How to avoid fraud

In Hungary, sometimes they ask for a prepayment for booking an apartment, even before viewing it.

Never transfer money without a contract and a personal meeting.

💡 If in doubt, consult a specialist! Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you check the contract and explain all the details before signing.

Food expenses are one of the first items on your budget after moving. Hungary is cheaper than Western Europe, but significantly more expensive than most cities in Ukraine. How much you spend on food depends on your lifestyle: whether you cook at home, how often you eat out, and where you shop.

How much does food cost per month?

Approximate monthly food expenses in 2026:

• One person: 100,000–130,000 HUF (≈ 260–340 €)
• Couple: 180,000–230,000 HUF (≈ 470–600 €)
• Family with one child: 260,000 – 330,000 HUF (≈ 680 – 850 €)

This is if you buy food in supermarkets and cook at home. Regular visits to restaurants or cafes add significantly more to the cost.

Where do Hungarians buy their groceries?

The Hungarian store system is simple:

• Discounters (cheapest): Lidl, Aldi, Penny Market. Here you can find basic products of good quality for minimal money.
• Mid-range: Spar, Tesco, Auchan – larger selection, more imported goods.
• Premium and eco: Príma, Rossmann (partially), BioBolt – for those looking for organic or special foods.
• Markets (piac): every city has local farmers' markets where fruit and vegetables are usually fresher and there is a wider selection.

Many Hungarians combine their purchases: they buy long-life products at discount stores and vegetables/fruit at markets.

Food prices in Hungary in 2026: how much does it cost

Household chemicals and hygiene products will cost approximately 9,000–12,000 HUF (€23–30) per month per person.

How to save

• Loyalty cards: Lidl, Spar, and Tesco often have programs where you can get a 10–20% discount on some of your purchases.
• Sales (akció): keep an eye on the discount shelves, especially at the end of the day.
• Markets: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper at the market than at the supermarket, especially in the afternoon.
• Large packages: Buying meat, grains, or milk in large packages lowers the average price.
• Eating out

Prices for lunch in cafes and restaurants in 2026:

• Daily special at a regular café (Napi menü) – 4600–5000 HUF (≈ 12–13 €)
• Pizza or pasta at a restaurant – 6500–7300 HUF (≈ 17–18 €)
• Coffee “to go” – 1200–1400 HUF (≈ 3–3.5 €)
• Quick snack (street food, sandwich, shawarma) – 2000–3000 HUF (≈ 5–8 €)
• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant – 16,000–19,000 HUF (≈ 43–50 €)

Tips for newcomers

1) In the first few weeks, it is convenient to buy ready-made food in supermarkets (Lidl, Spar, Tesco) — they offer inexpensive sets and dishes “by weight,” which will help you save time.

2) Stores are usually open until 8:00–9:00 p.m., but Lidl and Spar in the capital are sometimes open longer.

3) Some small stores may be closed on Sundays.

Hungary has a well-developed transport system: public transport is convenient in large cities, and high-speed railways and intercity buses operate for travel around the country. If you plan to live outside the city center, it is sometimes convenient to have your own car, but you need to know the local rules.

Public transport in cities

Budapest has a metro, trams, buses, and suburban electric trains (HÉV). Smaller cities have buses and trams. Important: each city has its own ticket system.

Current prices in 2026 (Budapest):

• Single ticket: 500 HUF (≈ 1.3 €)
• Single ticket purchased from the driver: 700 HUF (≈ 1.8 €)
• Block of 10 tickets: 4,500 HUF (≈ 12 €)
• 30-minute ticket: 600 HUF (≈ 1.6 €)
• 90-minute ticket: 850 HUF (≈ 2.2 €)
• Day ticket (24 hours): 2,750 HUF (≈ 7.1 €)
• 72-hour pass: 5,750 HUF (≈ 15 €)
• Monthly pass (Budapest-pass): 8,950 HUF (≈ 23 €)

There are significant discounts for schoolchildren, students, and pensioners (3,330–3,450 HUF/month), and job seekers receive a free monthly pass.

Tickets can be purchased from vending machines, BKK kiosks, or via the BudapestGO mobile app. Other regions have their own apps and terminals.

Tip: Ticket inspectors in Hungary are very strict. Without a ticket, the fine is 16,000 HUF (≈42€) on the spot.

Traveling around the country: trains and buses

Trains:

• The state-owned carrier MÁV-Start operates throughout the country.
• A ticket from Budapest to Debrecen costs from 3,600 HUF (≈9€), while the high-speed InterCity is more expensive (up to 7,500 HUF ≈ 20€).
• It is cheaper to buy tickets in advance through the MÁV app.

Buses:

• Volánbusz and FlixBus are convenient options for intercity travel.
• Prices are slightly cheaper than trains. For example, Budapest–Szeged costs from 3,000 HUF (≈€8).

Bicycles and electric scooters

Budapest is actively developing its bicycle infrastructure. There are rental services:

• Bubi — city system: the first 30 minutes of each trip are free, monthly pass — 1,500 HUF (≈3.75 €).
• Electric scooter rental (Lime, Tier, Bird) — on average 250 HUF/min + 350 HUF for the start (≈0.7€ start + 0.6€/min).

If you plan to use your own car

Having your own car is convenient, especially if you live in the suburbs or plan to travel around the country. But there are a few things to consider.

Main expenses:

• Gasoline: 660–720 HUF/liter (≈1.7–1.9 €);
• Diesel: slightly cheaper;
• Parking: 300–600 HUF/hour (≈0.8–1.6 €) in the center of Budapest;
• Toll roads: a vignette (e-matrica) is required to drive on motorways.

- 10 days — 6,620 HUF (≈16.5 €),

- 1 month — 10,710 HUF (≈27 €).

Important: the fine for entering toll roads without a vignette is over 50,000 HUF (≈130 €).

Green card for cars with Ukrainian license plates

If you are using a car registered in Ukraine, you must have Green Card international car insurance.

💡 You can purchase a policy online at Visit Ukraine in just a few minutes. The policy is valid in all EU countries, including Hungary.

After moving to Hungary, a bank account becomes one of the first necessities. Without it, it is difficult to rent accommodation, receive a salary, or even connect to the internet. Fortunately, it is quite possible for Ukrainians to open an account at a local bank, even if you have recently arrived.

Is it possible to open an account without a residence permit?

Yes, Hungarian banks work with foreigners, but the options depend on your documents. If you already have temporary protection or a residence permit, there are practically no problems. However, with only a passport, you can open a basic account, but with certain restrictions: no credit limit and a minimum set of services.

How it works in practice

It usually starts with choosing a bank. The most popular among foreigners are OTP Bank, K&H Bank, Erste Bank, and CIB Bank. In large cities, there are often English-speaking managers who can help you fill out the application form. In recent years, many digital services have appeared: Revolut, Wise, N26 — they are useful at first, but are not always suitable for salaries or subscriptions to local services.

What do you need to bring with you? At a minimum, your passport. Most banks will ask you to confirm your address (rental agreement or lakcímkártya certificate). If you have a Hungarian tax number (adószám), that's a plus, but it's not necessary to start. Some branches (especially CIB and OTP) will open an account even without a permanent address — in this case, the card and documents will be sent by mail to the specified place of residence.

How much does it cost

Services at traditional banks cost between 500 and 2,000 forints per month (€1.3–5). Online banks are usually cheaper and more transparent. Cash withdrawal fees vary — some tariffs offer the first few withdrawals free of charge, then charge 0.5–2%.

Most accounts are opened in forints, but you can also open a euro account. This is convenient for those who receive transfers from abroad. Transfers within the EU via SEPA are fast, while SWIFT transfers are more expensive and take longer.

Why do you need an account

A Hungarian account is useful not only for your salary. Without it, it is difficult to pay rent, connect to mobile internet, take out insurance, or receive refunds from the state (for example, in the healthcare system).

💡 If you are unsure how to prepare the documents correctly or are afraid of the language barrier, you can get legal advice — Visit Ukraine will help you choose a bank and explain the terms of the agreement.

SIM card or eSIM?

Immediately after arrival, it is most convenient to purchase a prepaid SIM card. It is sold in operator stores, large supermarkets, and even at the airport. You will need your passport to purchase one.

Many operators offer eSIMs, which can be ordered online and activated immediately on your phone without a plastic card. This is convenient if you don't want to look for a store immediately after arrival.

Contract or prepaid?

For the first few months, most Ukrainians use prepaid — no contracts, you can top up your balance in the mobile app or at terminals.

Once you have a Hungarian address and bank account, you can sign a contract (postpaid):

• Contract rates are more advantageous: more internet, faster 5G, and unlimited calls.
• The downside is the commitment period: usually 12 or 24 months. If you plan to stay in the country for less than a year, it is better to stick with prepaid.
  

Major operators

• Magyar Telekom – best coverage, stable speed in rural areas.
• Yettel – affordable packages with large internet allowances.
• Vodafone Hungary – optimal balance of price and quality.
• Lycamobile – convenient for international calls, can be purchased without registering an address.

Tariffs in 2026

• Prepaid: €5–8 per month (2000–3000 HUF) – 5–10 GB of internet, minutes within the country.
• Contract: €15–25 per month (5500–9500 HUF) – 20–50 GB, unlimited calls, and fast 5G.

Large cities (Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged) already have full 5G coverage, but 4G prevails in rural areas.

International calls and roaming

Roaming within the EU for Hungarian SIM cards is subject to domestic rates (no additional fees).

If you need to call Ukraine, it is cheaper to use Lycamobile or additional international minute packages offered by Yettel and Vodafone.

Home internet: how to connect

Hungarian cities have a stable internet network. The main providers are Telekom, Vodafone, and Digi.

Speed and prices:

• 150–300 Mbps — €25–35 per month;
• 500+ Mbps (fiber optic) — €35–45.

Connection takes from a few days to a week. Contracts are usually for 12–24 months. If you are not sure that you will stay for a long time, you can get a mobile router with a SIM card — this gives you internet access without being tied to an address.

Important details

1. In the early days, you can use mobile internet as a hotspot until you connect to Wi-Fi.

2. Some operators provide a free router if you sign a long-term contract.

3. If you want to terminate the contract early, you will almost always have to pay a penalty or the remaining amount for the entire term.

4. Operators' apps have English versions, which is convenient for managing your account without knowing Hungarian.

Moving to a new country with children is always exciting: how to find a kindergarten, will they accept a child into school without knowledge of Hungarian, how much does it cost? Hungary has a well-developed system of preschool and school education, which is available to Ukrainian families with legal status or temporary protection.

Kindergartens (óvoda)

In Hungary, there are two main forms of childcare before school:

• Bölcsőde (nursery) – for children from 6 months to 3 years old.
• Óvoda (kindergarten) – for children from 3 to 6 years old.

From the age of 3, kindergarten attendance is mandatory, even for foreigners, if the family plans to stay longer than 3 months.

Cost:

• State kindergartens – free, parents only pay for meals (approximately €20–40 per month).
• Private kindergartens – €200–500 per month, depending on the city and conditions.

In large cities (Budapest, Debrecen), there are also international kindergartens, but they are more expensive (from €400).

There are waiting lists, so it is better to submit documents immediately after receiving your address of residence.

How to enroll your child in kindergarten

Documents:

• child's passport or birth certificate,
• proof of address,
• medical certificate and vaccination card,
• (if available) Hungarian social security number of the child (TAJ).

Ukrainians with temporary protection have priority, and they try to find a place quickly, especially for children aged 3 and older, as this is required by law.

Primary and secondary school

Compulsory education begins at age 6.

Education system:

• Általános iskola (primary school) – ages 6 to 14.
• Középiskola (secondary school) – from 14 to 18 years old. There are gymnasiums, technical and vocational schools.

State schools are free, including textbooks. Parents only pay for meals (approximately €2-3 per school lunch) and extracurricular clubs if desired.

Language of instruction and adaptation

In Hungary, the main language of instruction is Hungarian. If a child does not speak the language, they may initially be sent to a special integration class, where more attention is paid to language learning.

Children from Ukraine are enrolled in school without entrance exams, taking into account only their age and previous level of education.

During the first few months, students are provided with support:

- additional Hungarian language classes,

- a counselor or teacher who helps with adaptation,

- in some schools, translators.

Documents for school

• child's passport,
• proof of address,
• medical certificate and vaccination card,
• (if available) documents on protection status or residence permit.

Extracurricular activities and clubs

Almost every school has free or very affordable clubs:

- sports clubs (soccer, gymnastics, swimming),

- music, drawing,

- language clubs.

Volunteer organizations and Ukrainian communities are active in cities, organizing Hungarian language courses for children and parents.

Important advice for parents

If you have just moved and don't know where to start, the first step is to contact your local municipality (önkormányzat). They will tell you where the nearest kindergarten or school is and help you fill out the paperwork.

💡 If you need advice or help with filling out paperwork for your child, Visit Ukraine lawyers can assist you with this process online.

The healthcare system in Hungary is structured in such a way that it is almost impossible to fully use medical services without insurance. Only emergency care is available without a policy, but even then, you may be billed later. Therefore, insurance is one of the first things you should take care of after moving.

How the healthcare system works in Hungary

Medical services are divided into:

• Public – through the social insurance system (TAJ).
• Private – paid clinics and doctors who accept patients even without TAJ, but the cost of services is very high.

Ukrainians who have temporary protection have access to public healthcare on an almost equal footing with Hungarians — after registration, they are issued with a TAJ card (a kind of medical insurance number).

How to get access to public healthcare

To use public clinics for free or for a minimal fee, you need to:

- have a Hungarian social security number (TAJ),

- be employed and pay contributions, or have temporary protection status (in which case the contributions are covered by the state).

With TAJ, you get access to:

• a family doctor (háziorvos),
• specialists by referral,
• tests, vaccinations, and inpatient treatment.

Without a TAJ, you will have to pay for everything yourself, and the prices can be very high (a doctor's consultation costs from €40, and hospitalization costs hundreds of euros per day).

What to do in the first months after moving

Most newcomers solve the insurance issue in the following way:

• they take out Ukrainian international insurance, which is valid in the EU (this allows them not to be left without assistance during the adaptation period),
• at the same time, they register for status and TAJ in Hungary.

💡 You can take out an international policy online at Visit Ukraine – it takes a few minutes and allows you to safely get through the first few months.

Private healthcare

Private medical centers are very popular in large cities, where you can be seen without queuing and without a referral.

Cost

• Family doctor consultation – €40–60
• Specialist consultation – €60–120
• Ultrasound – €50–90
• Tests – €20–100 depending on the set

Pharmacies and prescriptions

Most pharmacies (gyógyszertár) operate during standard business hours, but there are pharmacies on duty in large cities.

Only a limited range of medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen) can be purchased without a prescription. Everything else requires a prescription from a doctor.

Emergency assistance

The emergency number is 112 or 104.

Calls are free, but without insurance, you may be billed after receiving assistance.

Important information about insurance

State insurance (through TAJ) provides basic coverage, but you often have to wait to be seen.

Private insurance or a policy taken out through international services allows you to:

• avoid queues,
• get advice in English,
• cover expenses in private clinics.

💡 Tip:

If you have just moved, it is worth taking out short-term medical insurance immediately after arrival, even if you plan to obtain TAJ in a month or two. This will protect you from unexpected expenses.

You can take out medical insurance online at Visit Ukraine — the policy takes effect from the selected date, and all documents are sent to your email.

After the first few weeks in a new country, when issues related to housing, documents, and everyday life have been resolved, the next stage begins—getting acquainted with everyday life in Hungary. There are many things that are not obvious to newcomers, but they help to avoid trouble and feel at home more quickly.

The most common fines in Hungary

In Hungary, people are very attentive to compliance with the rules. Some things that are taken lightly in Ukraine can result in a fine here. For example, traveling without a ticket on public transport is punishable by a fine of 25,000–30,000 forints (€65–80), and if you pay later, even more. Crossing the road on a red light will cost you around 15,000 HUF, and illegal parking will cost you 10,000 HUF or more.

Particular attention is paid to cleanliness and waste sorting. Littering or disposing of waste at the wrong time can result in a warning or even a fine, and residents themselves often monitor compliance with sorting rules in high-rise buildings.

Language and integration courses

Although you can meet English-speaking people in Budapest and other large cities, knowledge of English will be of little help in government agencies and hospitals. Therefore, from the very first months, it is advisable to learn at least a minimum of Hungarian: this will relieve stress in everyday situations and help you integrate more quickly.

For newcomers, there are free language courses organized by municipalities, employment centers, and community organizations. There are also paid intensive courses and private teachers (from €8 for a group lesson to €20-25 for an individual lesson).

Support and psychological assistance

It is important to remember that Hungary has psychological support programs for migrants: there are consultations with interpreters, mutual aid groups, and free meetings with specialists in large cities. This is especially relevant for parents with children.

Where to find leisure activities and communities

Life in Hungary is not limited to work and paperwork. It is easy to find activities that suit your interests here:

• Nature: the Danube, Lake Balaton, numerous national parks, caves, and thermal baths are available all year round.
• Culture: museums (many have free admission days), festivals (such as Sziget), concerts, and fairs.
• Communities: Ukrainian groups on Facebook and Telegram actively help newcomers — there you can find tutors, advice, people to meet up with, and even short-term accommodation.

Tip for quick adaptation

The best way to integrate is to participate in city life: language clubs, free tours by volunteers, Ukrainian community meetings. This is a way not only to find friends, but also to feel that you are in the right place.

💡 If you don't know where to start, Visit Ukraine specialists can help you choose courses, find contacts at community centers, and advise you on your first steps in a new country.